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Notes From the President

Mike Croxall, President
Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga

As the home building industry celebrates Careers in Construction Month in October, we’re sharing the top four reasons to consider a rewarding career in residential construction.

Diversity of Skilled Trades to Consider
A home builder relies on a number of highly trained workers to get the job done right. This includes dozens of skilled artisans and professionals, including carpenters, architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, painters and landscapers. Analysis from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows that 70 percent of builders typically use between 11 and 30 subcontractors to build a single-family home. Indeed, there are many different trades you can pursue depending on your personal interests.

Job Opportunities Across the Country
As the housing market continues to strengthen, home builders across the country and here in Chattanooga and Hamilton County are seeking skilled workers — such as carpenters, framers and roofers — to help them build the American Dream. This means there is ample opportunity for motivated students seeking a rewarding career path.

In fact, the residential construction industry is one of the few sectors where demand for new workers is rising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and NAHB analysis, the number of open construction sector jobs (on a seasonally adjusted basis) increased to 232,000 in July 2017.

Jobs Satisfaction and Competitive Salaries
Residential construction workers consistently express high job satisfaction. And average salaries in Chattanooga and the surrounding area remain competitive with other industries in our area. For example, a career in residential construction can bring annual salaries in the $40,000 or more in a number of different skilled labor areas.

Rewarding Career without College Debt
At a time when countless college graduates are finding themselves underemployed and saddled with crushing student debt, it’s important to know that earning a college degree is not the only road to success. A vocational education is equally rewarding and can be obtained at a fraction of the cost.

Considering a career in residential construction? Contact the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at 423-624-9992 or visit its website at www.hbagc.net.